Hult Center for Healthy Living Staff
Leadership Team
Andrea Parker, RN, MS
Executive Director
Andrea Parker has 40 years of experience as a registered nurse with a background in pediatrics nursing, medical surgical nursing, community health and public health.
Andrea received her nursing degree from Methodist School of Nursing, later completing her Bachelors degree from Bradley University and her Masters in Science from the University of IL at Chicago.
Andrea jumped started her nursing career as a pediatric nurse with Methodist Medical Center later holding nurse roles within home health and family practice which prepared her for community-based roles such as overseeing Carle Health’s Hult Center for Healthy Living and the In School Health program which she helped create over 20 years ago.
As a Director with Carle Health, Andrea provides operational and leadership oversight for the health education specialists at the Hult Center to ensure quality health education programs are provided, and to the clinical staff working within both the school based health centers and neighboring school districts providing quality health care to keep students in school.
Prior to taking the helm at Hult Center for Healthy Living, she served as a Regional Health Officer for the Illinois Department of Public Health and previous to that held the Public Health Administrator position with the Peoria City/County Health Department overseeing multiple counties.
Parker is a recognized health leader in the community serving on a variety of community agency boards. To list a few, she served as President for the Rotary Club of Peoria, President of the Crittenton Centers Board, Human Service Board member now Trilium Place with Carle Health.
Andrea has an extensive list of awards and achievements, among her most recent accomplishments are being inducted into the Bradley University’s Centurion Society, receiving the “25 Women in Leadership” and the “Women of Influence” awards. Other professional recognitions include, induction into the Peoria African American Hall of Fame Museum, “Those Who Excel” award from IL State Board of Education as well as recognized as a 40 Leader Under 40.
Parker continues her passion in health education as she holds an adjunct faculty position with Carle Health’s Methodist College teaching both undergraduate and graduate nursing.
Community Health and Promotion Team
Payton Beach, BS
Health Education Specialist
Payton Beach, BS is a skilled Health Education Specialist I at the Hult Center for Healthy Living, serving as the Youth Mental Health Program Coordinator and head of Hult Center’s social media pages since November 2024. She leverages a 2024 Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Health Promotion and Education-Public Health with a minor in Health and Wellness Coaching from Illinois State University. Payton is trained and certified in both Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid and is a SafeSitter certified instructor. Her diverse professional experiences have honed her ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and effectively communicate complex health information. Payton’s commitment to community health is evident through her involvement in various initiatives, including the Illinois State University Public Health Advisory Board and the Partnership for a Healthy Community Substance Use Committee. With a strong foundation in health education and a passion for empowering individuals to be the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves, Payton is dedicated to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of the community she serves.
Cheyanne Harper, BS
Health Education Specialist
Cheyanne has over six years of experience in public health, previously working for the Peoria City/County Health Department, where she conducted community and environmental programming through compliance and education objectives. Cheyanne is the coordinator for Hult Center’s collaborative grant, Illinois Tobacco-free Communities, working closely with the tri-county health departments. Cheyanne is trained in CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) and Stanford Medicine Toolkit implementation. Cheyanne serves on several committees under the Partnership for a Healthy Community, a tri-county regional approach focusing on key health priorities in the region.
Cheyanne supports Hult Center’s youth education programming and enjoys teaching K-8th grade students in preventative health, nutrition, and substance use awareness topics, and supports the community through collaborative efforts.
Ella Duncey, BA
Health Education Specialist
Ella has over 6 years of experience working in education and is currently the program coordinator for Sexual and Reproductive Health Education at Hult Center. Her career began in the Horizons Program with Peoria Public Schools Foundation, where Ella found her passion for education and youth involvement. She is a graduate of Bradley University with a Bachelors of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Sociology and Political Science) and French Language.
Ella is passionate about quality health education for both youth and adults. Ella leads the Sexual and Reproductive Health program at Hult Center, which includes classroom education and programs for adults such as Safe Zone Training, FLASH Protocol, and workshops for medical students and residents on creating safe and supportive environments for adolescents.
Debbie Harris, BS
Health Education Specialist II
Debbie Harris, BS, Health Education Specialist II at the Hult Center for Healthy Living, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health Education from Illinois State University. Debbie brings a wealth of expertise to her role overseeing all Hult Center for Healthy Livings programs and initiatives, with her 20 years of experience as a Health Educator. Her career began as a Health & Nutrition Specialist in the school system, laying the foundation for her passion for promoting health and wellness. This dedication was recognized with the prestigious Robin A. Orr Community Partnership Award for her work in coordinating nutrition education programs.
Debbie is a certified National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach and holds certifications as a CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) Implementation Instructor, a Safe Sitter Instructor, a QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Instructor and Youth Mental Health First Aid USA. Her commitment to community health extends beyond her primary role through her active involvement on numerous committees, including Heart of Illinois United Way Volunteer Administrators Committee, Heart of Illinois United Way Peer Group, Greater Peoria Children’s Mental Health Initiative-System of Care- Trillium Place Young Minds, Early Childhood Forum of Central Illinois & Early Childhood Forum Sub-Committee Legislative Happening Hour , Peoria Bright Futures P.I. Advisory Board, A.O.K (All Our Kids), Tazewell-Woodford Head Start Health Advisory Committee & PCCEO Health Advisory Committee.
To learn more about Debbie, connect with her: Debbie Harris | LinkedIn
Nate Johnson, BS, CHES
Health Education Specialist
Nathaniel “Nate” Johnson graduated from Illinois State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education. After completing his degree, he earned the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification. Nate has several years of experience in the public health field, beginning his career in employee wellness. His passion for teaching and helping both youth and adults with health issues led him to work as a Health Education Specialist at Hult Center for Healthy Living.
Nate is certified as a Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Instructor for Suicide Prevention and is also trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid. He coordinates a Safe Sitter babysitting training program, co-coordinates a prescription medicine safety program named Generation Rx, and assists with other programs that Hult Center offers. His dedication to public health is evident through his membership on the School Health Advisory Panel and the Peoria Public Schools Safety Network Council. Additionally, Nate represents Hult on the University of Illinois Extension Youth Services Network Panel and serves as the Safety Officer for Hult Center, ensuring compliance with Carle Health Safety Standards for the safety of both students and staff.
Betsy Ayers, BS
Health Education Specialist
Betsy Ayers is a Health Educator and Program Coordinator of the Adolescent Health Empowerment Program at the Hult Center for Healthy Living. She holds an undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology from Southern Illinois University and brings a diverse background in emergency medicine, healthcare, nutrition, and personal training. Betsy uses this expertise to deliver practical, evidence-based strategies that promote healthier living across the lifespan.
With specialized training in health counseling and motivational interviewing, Betsy is committed to meeting individuals where they are and empowering them to make sustainable behavior changes. Her community and professional involvement include serving on the Central Illinois AHEC Community Advisory Board, the Peoria Public Schools District 150 School Health Advisory Board, and contributing to the Community Health Implementation Plan through the Healthy Eating Active Living and Adolescent Obesity action teams.
She also plays an active role in the Greater Peoria Children’s Mental Health Initiative (System of Care – Trillium Place Young Minds) and supports local food equity efforts as a member of the Community Food Systems Partners Advocacy and Marketing Priority Team.
Betsy’s dedication to youth and community wellness is further reflected in her national certifications as a Corrective Exercise Specialist, Youth Exercise Specialist, Behavior Change Specialist, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Safe Sitter instructor.
Maureen Vadis, MEd, BS
Health Education Specialist
Maureen Vadis is a dedicated Health Education Specialist with a passion for empowering communities to make informed and healthy choices. Her extensive background in education provides a strong foundation for her role, allowing her to effectively communicate complex health information to diverse audiences. Maureen holds a Master of Education from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Wayne State University. She also has a specialization as a Library Information Specialist from Illinois State University, which enhances her ability to research and disseminate credible information. Committed to staying current in her field, Maureen has earned several key certifications. She is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and has completed comprehensive training in Understanding Fentanyl from the Illinois Human Performance Project. She is also expanding her expertise with upcoming certifications in National Nutrition and as a Trauma Informed Care Practitioner.